Orlando Pirates and CS Disciples played to a goalless draw in their CAF Champions League first preliminary round, first-leg on Sunday afternoon.
CAF Champions League
Result: Disciples FC 0-0 Orlando Pirates
Date: 17 August 2024
Venue: COTE D'OR NATIONAL COMPLEX
Pirates named their regular line-up, as Tshegofatso Mabasa spearheaded the attack that also had Relebohile Mofokeng, Monnapule Saleng and Patrick Maswanganyi.
Jose Riveiro's charges had to soak up the pressure in the early exchanges, as Disciples showed their attacking intentions from the first whistle.
The Buccaneers were happy to look to exploit the space on counter-attacks, with the Madagascan outfit playing a high line.
Pirates started to threaten on transitions after the half-hour mark, as Mofokeng came close to target with a deflected shot that flew wide.
With eight minutes left of the first stanza, Saleng also broke through for the Soweto giants but his shot at the near post was dealt with by goalkeeper Andoniaina Andrianavalina.
Riveiro's men had the momentum with half-time approaching, as Saleng had another chance after starting the move from his own half but he did not have the finishing touches, as the first stanza ended without goals.
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The game was open in the early exchanges of the second stanza but towards the hour-mark, Riveiro tried to affect the match from the bench, as Kabelo Dlamini replaced Mofokeng for fresh legs and a different dimension in attack.
Dlamini made an immediate impact for the Buccaneers, as with 20 minutes to go, he linked up with Masaba, who came close with an effort that came off the crossbar.
The game was on the edge with ten minutes to go and the Spanish coach introduced fresh legs in attack as Evidence Makgopa and Karim Kimvuidi both came on for Mabasa and Saleng.
With both sides cautious in the dying minutes, the hosts almost got a late goal as the match ultimately ended goalless.
The second-leg is set for this Friday evening at Orlando Stadium.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine; Sibisi, Sesane, Ndah, Hotto, Makhaula, Ndlondlo, Saleng, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Mabasa.
Subs: Buthelezi, Maela, Mbatha, Rasebotja, Kimvuidi, Dlamini, Moleleki, Makgopa
